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With the summer holidays in full swing there were fewer events in attendance.. However, quality ruled over quantity and it was a week-end of the female track athletes of Newry AC excelling with superb personal best performances.
DUBLIN GRADED TRACK MEET, MORTON STADIUM, DUBLIN
Meadow and Joanne McCauley travelled to Dublin for a series track meet in the Morton Stadium on Wednesday evening. The weather was horrendous as the heavy rain and thunderstorm they left in the North followed them down to Dublin. Joanne was to compete in the 100m and from a water logged block start and rain not easing, Joanne had an expected and disappointing slower race finishing 3rd. With the rain easing, Meadow ran in the AB 800m race on a water logged track. The club junior had a strong race finishing 5th with a PB of 2:27.82.
DROGHEDA IRISH MILERS MEET, LOURDES STADIUM
On Saturday, three Newry AC athletes attended the high profile Irish Milers meet in Drogheda. This was a meet of athletes for all over Ireland and visitors from overseas. The weather was very warm and sunny but with quite a strong headwind on the back straight. Nevertheless, Sarah Jane Beattie, Meadow McCauley and Joanne McCauley were hungry for PBs on which the Drogheda track is known to be a place for fast performances.
Club Senior, Sarah Jane was first up with a full line up in the graded mile race. Her target was under 6 minutes. From the gun, Sarah Jane stayed in the top pack alongside fellow Newry City Runner, Pat Rocks. She maintained a consistent lap time and with a push in the last 300 metres, Sarah Jane came over the line in 2nd place and notched a well earned 5:56.35 PB.
Club Master athlete, Joanne McCauley competed in the long jump with a strong head wind to battle with the more favourable jump pit not available. She jumped 4m12 and finished in 4th position. Joanne then took part in the 400m event. Starting in lane 3, she had a strong block start and paced the race perfectly against a very young field of runners. Joanne finished 5th and was well pleased in taking a much needed 67.42 PB.
Performance of the day was with Meadow McCauley in the 800m C Race. She was determined for a PB and with local top runner Jessica Craig pacing her race, she had full motivation for a good race from the gun. With all lanes filled with tough competition, Meadow knew she had to stick to the pacer and her race plan. From the gun, Meadow stayed in the top 3 pack on the heels of Joanne Mills and Hannah Cochrane. Then at the 500m, the pacer let them go and Meadow took her opportunity to move from behind a tiring Joanne Mills to the head of the race and boosted the windy back straight. She came round the final corner into the last 100m with a good lead and all the track supporters cheering her on as they could see she was thrashing her current PB. Meadow took a clear first place and knocked an amazing 5 seconds off her current time to take a 2:22.76 PB. This is the performance boost that Meadow needed as the track racing season is nearing the end. This is also performance payback for the tough training schedules led by coach Kookie O’Hagan.
DATE FOR THE MOUNTAIN RUNNING CALENDAR - 'DAN WHITE’S DANDER’ - 31st AUGUST 2019
Newry AC in conjunction with NIMRA have organised a 6 mile mountain race to include Slieve Martin and Knockshee on Saturday 31st August and sponsored by Mulvaney Corporate Services. Registration is through www.nimra.org.uk or on the day between 09:30-10:30 with a start time of 11am from the Big Stone Car Park in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor. Get entering with what will be a great day of mountain running on a fabulous route with prizes and refreshments.
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Senior Men
Whitecross made the short journey to Camlough on Friday and they returned home with the win having defeated our senior men on score-line of 2 – 14 to 1 – 13.
Whitecross almost made the perfect start with their very first attack but Conor McKeown, the Shane’s keeper, made a brilliant point-blank save to deny a certain goal but this didn’t deter the away side and they were 0 – 6 to no score up after ten minutes. Oisin O’Callaghan opened the Shane’s account with a well taken score before McKeown came to the Shane’s rescue again with another brilliant save before Greg McCabe slotted over to leave the Shane’s four in arrears. A goal and two points in a five-minute spell put Whitecross nine to the good with Ryan Quinn replying for the Shane’s with a close-range point. The sides then swapped points with Connaire Mackin pointing a free for the home side before Ryan Quinn bagged his second, and his side’s fourth point of the half to leave seven between them. Both sides recorded a further two points apiece before the half-time interval with Paddy Gregory and Greg McCabe getting the Shane’s scores, with another great McKeown save sandwiched in between. The Shane’s went into the break seven points adrift but had it not been for the performance of Conor McKeown in goals it could have been a whole lot worse for the Camlough side.
The Shane’s made a great start to second period when Connaire Mackin slotted home an early penalty to leave just four between them and this was reduced to three minutes later when Paddy Gregory popped over a lovely point. A Whitecross point was quickly cancelled out by a Greg McCabe effort to keep the game right in the balance but a penalty for Whitecross saw them raise the green flag to put them six ahead with fifteen minutes left on the clock. Both sides swapped points in quick succession with Connaire Mackin scoring from a placed ball before the Shane’s hit three points in row courtesy of Nathan Morgan, Connaire Mackin and Raymie Fitzpatrick to leave just three in it with time almost up. The Shane’s battled hard to get back on level terms but in was Whitecross who hit the last point to claim the win by four, 2 – 14 to 1 – 13.
Senior Ladies
A severely depleted senior ladies team took to the field against Mullabrack on Saturday evening and lost out five points, 3 – 7 to 2 – 5. The Shane’s started brightly with two early points from Aoibheann Jones before Mullabrack recorded two points of their own to draw level. A third Aoibheann Jones point restored the Shane’s advantage but two points from Mullabrack edged the away side in front before high ball saw Abby Shields rise highest to flick it to the net and put the Shane’s back in front. Geraldine McNally followed this up with a pointed free to give the home side a three-point lead but late first-half free from Mullabrack saw them trail by just two at the break.
Mullabrack began the second-half the much better team and after ten minutes they led by five points having registered two goals and a point. Geraldine McNally replied for the Shane’s with a well taken point and a great move saw Aoibheann Jones raise the green flag to leave just the minimum between the sides. However, this proved to be the last Shane’s score of the game as Mullabrack registered a further goal and a point to claim the win, 3 – 7 to 2 – 6.
U16 Girls
Our U16s were in great form on Monday night and they played some brilliant football to record a well-deserved home win over Dromintee.
U14 Girls
Thursday night saw great game of football between our U14 girls and their Armagh Harps counterparts. The contest was end to end throughout and at the final whistle the teams couldn’t be separated as the game ended in a draw.
Well Done
Well done to our winners in the last of the County draws on Thursday night:
Leonard Duffy: £500
Yasmin Mackin £200
Shane O’Neill’s Club: £200
The club would thank all those who bought tickets, all those who sold them and congratulations to all the Shane’s winners.
Cúl Camp
This year’s Kellogg’s Cúl Camp will take place at the club from next Monday 15th July - Friday 19th July. Online registration for the camp is now open and anyone planning to attend should register online asap using the following link – www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 5, 11, 22 & 30. There were no jackpot winners and 1 x match three winner. The lotto jackpot is slowly but surely creeping up and now stands at an impressive £4,000.
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LOUTH COUNTY ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS, LOURDES STADIUM - DROGHEDA
Sarah Jane Beattie, Meadow McCauley and Joanne McCauley guested at the Louth Athletics County Championships on Thursday evening.
Meadow and Sarah Jane both had good runs in the 800m race. Meadow placed 1st overall in a time of 2:28.00 and Sarah Jane placed 3rd overall and 1st senior in a time of 2:38.64.
Joanne McCauley ran the 400m in a strong head wind placing 2nd overall and 1st in F45 category with 70.36. She also placed a photo finish 2nd in the F45 100m with 14.54. In the long jump Joanne placed 1st F45 with 4.07m.
As guests the Newry girls unfortunately cannot medal and have to forego their placings but this is a great annual event and a good training session for up and coming competitions.
BALLYHEGAN 5K, LOUGHGALL
On Friday evening, Lee Maginnis raced in the annual Ballyhegan 5k event. This event takes the runners along a short road route from the Ballyhegan GFC into the beautiful setting of Loughgall Country Park before returning on the road back to the club for a feast of refreshments. Lee ran strongly and lifted 2nd overall placing in the 5k.
ROSTREVOR PARKRUN, KILBRONEY FOREST PARK
Young Christopher Coffey took on his first Rostrevor Parkrun, alongside Ciara Coffey. Both had a great run with both coming over the line in a brilliant time of 32:06. Well done, Christopher.
IRISH NATIONAL JUVENILE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS, TULLAMORE, CO. OFFALY
Meadow McCauley travelled down to Tullamore on Sunday for the Irish National Juvenile Championships. In very warm but perfect track conditions, Meadow took on a highly competitive all Ireland field and was pleased on taking an overall 6th position and recording a well-earned PB too.
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Championship
Craobh Rua take on neighbours Killeavy next Sunday. The game will take place in Shane O Neills Camloch ground. Throw in is timed for 4pm All support is welcome
Fixtures
Wednesday 10th July
Down Minor Hurling League
Cuchullains v Craobh Rua
Sherry’s field Armagh 7.30pm.
Armagh Junior Hurling Championship
Sunday 14th July Venue:Shane O Neills Camloch
Preliminary Round
Killeavy v Craobh Rua
U15 Ulster Táin Óg League
Craobh Rua travelled to Tullysaran last Monday night to play Westport (Mayo) in the League Final In Kingspan Breffni Park Cavan this Saturday 13th of July.
The league campaign which saw Craobh Rua compete against Naomh Moninne (Louth), North Armagh, Castleblaney (Monaghan) and Tulloch Og (Tyrone).
This group of young hurlers are about to create a small bit of history against their Western opponents.
The match is fixed for 12 noon. A Bus travelling to the game will leave Craobh Rua Clubrooms at 9am sharp.
This is a fantastic achievement by this group of young hurlers and their mentors and we wish them well in this Ulster Final.
Buíochas
Craobh Rua would like to thank Ruairí Convery for the informative and enjoyable coaching session that he he recently provided at the Club for our young hurlers was a great success. Ruairí a respected hurler who give great service to his native County Derry for many years, brought his skills, knowledge and experience to the session and all involved thoroughly enjoyed it. We W thank Ruairí and wish him well with his new teaching post in Dublin.
Croke Park Trip
The Clubs Annual Croke Park trip takes place on Saturday 27th July.
All Ireland Champions Limerick are the top billing and this should once again be an enjoyable experience for all who travel. Further information is available from team mentors/coaches.
All Ireland Hurlibg Final Ticket Draw
Craobh Rua have launched their All Ireland Hurling Final Ticket Annnual Fundraising Draw. Tickets are now on sale.
Tickets cost £5 each or 3 tickets for £10 and are available from Club players, members and team mentors.
Championship Dates
Armagh Junior Hurling Championship
Sunday 14th July Athletic Grounds
Preliminary Round
Killeavy v Craobh Rua
U14.5 Preliminary Round
5th August
Killeavy St Monnina v Craobh Rua
Semi Final Date
19th August
U16.5 Championship Semi Final
28th August
Craobh Rua v Killeavy Naomh Monnina
U18.5 Championship Semi Final
21st August
Keady Red Hands v Craobh Rua
Craobh U10 hurlers attended the Derrynoose blitz last Sunday. It was an enjoyable morning of hurling for all involve and míle buíochas to all involved in organising the event.
Huge thanks also to Desy, Gavin and Micheál for their mentoring of the squad involved last Sunday.
Cúl Camp
Craobh Rua Cúl Camp – confirmed week of 22nd July.
Armagh Coaching and Games Development Committee have announced 21 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl camps across the county during the months of July & August.
Registration is now available online and we encourage parents to use this easy and convenient method of registration by visiting www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie
Craibh Rua Cúl Camp will commence on Monday 22nd July to Friday 26th July from 10am to 2.30pm.
Speaking about this year’s Cúl Camps, Denis Hollywood, Armagh GAA Coaching and Games Manager said,
“Armagh Kelloggs Cúl Camps are proving very popular this year and already we have received quite a significant response with online bookings.
“Our camps provide boys and girls between the ages of 6 to 13 years old with an action-packed and fun-filled week of activities during the summer months learning and developing skills in a fun and safe environment.
“The activities are player-centred with a games based approach and strong emphasis on personal development and well-being.”
Children attending will receive a backpack, jersey and three-quarter zip top. Costs for the camps are: First child £50, second child £45, third and subsequent children £40 (children attending a second camp, without gear, the cost is £40).
For more information contact Denis Hollywood at denis.hollywood.gm.armagh@gaa.ieor call 07787 534 630.
Registration can be completed on the first morning of your chosen camp but pre-registration is strongly advised. Only children who have been pre-registered will be guaranteed their backpack and kit on time.
Coaching / Training
Monday 8th July
Underage training (Primary 1 to Primary 7 age range) takes place Monday night’s 6:30 to 7:30pm at Craobh Rua Playing Field & Clubrooms.
Underage Activities
Please note change of date due to Ulster Championship fixtures
Under 8 & Under 10 County Blitz
Craobh Rua will host an all County Under 8 & Under 10 Hurling Blitz on Sunday 4th Of August
Underage training (Primary 1 to Primary 7 age range) takes place Monday night’s 6:30 to 7:30pm at Craobh Rua Playing Field & Clubrooms.
Coaches will inform their players and parents of any changes etc.
Current Underage Coaches & Coordinators
U6.5 Orla McCaul, Majella Bradley & Caroline O Callaghan
U8.5 John Kelly & James McCartan U10.5 Joe McEldowney & Sean Cunningham
U12.5 Miceal Bradley, Eamon McCann, Paul Elshaw
U14.5 Fiachra Bradley & David O’Brien
U16.5 Gareth Matthews, Paul Elshaw, Henry McCloy, Eamon McCann & Pearse McLaughlin
U18.5 Paul Cunningham
Anyone wishing to help in a coaching or support capacity with our Underage Activities is welcome to approach a team coordinator or Committee member to discuss. We welcome any support or help with all our club activities.
Craobh Rua Hurling Club encourage anyone who wishes to help with any aspect of our Club Activities to speak to an under age mentor or Committee member.We will be happy to give all appropriate support to any individual who wishes to become involved in our activities.
Dates For Diary
Cúl Camp – confirmed week of 22nd July
Under 8 & Under 10 County Blitz
Craobh Rua will host an all County Under 8 & Under 10 Hurling Blitz on Sunday 4th Of August
Hooley Around Cooley Cycle
The date for this annual Cycle has been confirmed as Sunday 29th September
Club shop is now open and has deals on hurls, helmets, grips and sliotars. This will be available every Monday.
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Training Hard in the heat
SGR members train each Monday evening in Slieve Gullion Park. This week was a hard one with the heat but members still trained hard for all their up coming events.The best way to find out about our club is to come along and give us a ‘no commitment’ try. If you do then the chances are that you will come back because not only do we support and encourage everyone, whether experienced or new to running but we are a very friendly and social club as well. Slieve Gullion Runners Monday Club Run is from Slieve Gullion Park for a 6.45pm start time .Meeting point will be at Slieve Gullion car park
Events
Check out our SGR events guide at our facebook page on all up coming events in our district and beyond. The guide has everything from 5K to 24 Hour runs so has something for everyone to take on .Our guide is updated daily to keep our members informed and to all non members runners.
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NCR Time Trials, Newry
John McCaffrey and Sarah Jane Beattie took part in the Newry City Runners Time Trials on Tuesday evening at the St. Colman’s Track. It was a relaxed event of which the aim was for runners to work towards a PB in a non-competitive environment. John McCaffrey had a great run, even with absence from training due to a new baby in the household, and ran a fantastic 4:46.9 in the 1,500 m. Sarah Jane who has been training hard over the last few months ran the mile time trial and completed it in 5:55 which is a new PB for her.
SPELGA SKYLINE, MOURNES
On Saturday, 9 brave Newry AC athletes took part in the Spelga Skyline Fell Race in the Mournes. A total field of 77 runners toed the start line on a day that would bring many seasons through the duration of the race. Runners were subjected to humid conditions along with thunder storms, heavy rain and sunshine. The runners also had to contend with challenging ground conditions and the fact that an unknown mountain walker relocated the control point at Meelbeg that caused undue stress and lost time to many participants. The NIMRA Championship race covered a distance of 21km (13 miles) with an elevation gain of 1,550 metres.
The route took the runners from the start line opposite Spelga Dam Car Park over Slievenamuck/Butter Mountain, and the summits of Meelbeg, Loughshannagh, Muck, Slievemoughanmore, Pierces Castle, Rocky, Hen, Cock, over the bridge below the dam and finishing at Spelga Dam car park.
Rory Mulvaney was the first runner to cross the finish line for Newry AC with Esther Dickson alongside. Esther Dickson continued her strong mountain performances and took the 2nd female prize. Adam Ervine had a good race and followed in after Rory and Esther in 14th. Ciara Coffey also completed the race and took 1st in the FV40 category. Newry AC mountain runners continue to impress with many finishing in the top 20 and taking category prizes. The full results are as follows:
Rory Mulvaney 12th 3:06:18Esther Dickson 13th 3:06:19 2nd FemaleAdam Ervine 14th 3:13:10Aidan Murray 32nd 3:38:00Sarah Quinn 35th 3:43:15Cathal McGreevy 37th 3:43:49Ronan Mynes 38th 3:44:39Aaron Montgomery 42nd 4:00:32Ciara Coffey 57th 1st FV40 4:15:49
NI/ULSTER MASTERS ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS, MARY PETER’S TRACK, BELFAST
Gavin Crilly and Joanne McCauley attended the NI Ulster Masters Athletics Championships at the Mary Peter’s Track in Belfast on Saturday. Weather conditions at the start of the day were not favourable but as the afternoon progressed the rain ceased.
Gavin took part in the 3,000m race in humid conditions and finished 9th in the field and was pleased with his time of 10:39.39.
Joanne had a long day with 5 events to compete in. She lifted 4 Golds (100m, 200m, 400m & Long Jump and 1 Silver (High Jump) for the Club. Joanne experienced hailstones during the high jump followed by a thunderstorm for the 100m and humid conditions followed for the 200m, long jump and 400m. Her performance of the day was the 100m of which was delayed due to a thunderstorm. In wet conditions Joanne had a highly charged race for the line against Omagh Harriers athlete Orlagh Colton. Both girls fought over the last 50m and with great encouragement from the trackside supporters Joanne just notched a foot ahead to take the 1st placing in a PB time of 14.45.
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U15 Ulster Táin Óg League
Craobh Rua travelled to Tullysaran last Monday night to play Tulloch Óg (Tyrone) in the League semi final.
In what was a tough but sporting encounter Craobh Rua defeated the Tyrone side
They will now progress to the u15 finals day at Kingspan Breffni Park Cavan on Saturday 13th of July.
Championship Dates
U14.5 Preliminary Round
5th August
Killeavy St Monnina v Craobh Rua
Semi Final Date
19th August
U16.5 Championship Semi Final
28th August
Craobh Rua v Killeavy Naomh Monnina
U18.5 Championship Semi Final
21st August
Keady Red Hands v Craobh Rua
Armagh Junior Hurling Championship
Sunday 14th July Athletic Grounds
Preliminary Round
Killeavy v Craobh Rua
Senior Hurling
Craobh Rua senior hurlers will face Cuchulainns on Tuesday 2nd July. The match Venue is Pearse Óg Park Armagh
Armagh Junior Hurling Championship
Sunday 14th July Athletic Grounds
Preliminary Round
Killeavy v Craobh Rua
Congratulations
Comhghairdeas to the Armagh U15 hurling team and in particular Craobh Rua hurlers Conor Reavey, Patrick Mc Verry, Jody Crilly, Brian Mc Cann and Eoghan Rushe who played a major part in a 4:18 to 3:17 victory over Louth in the Hibernia Cup match in St Pauls High School recently. The team is managed by Craobh Rua senior hurler and Underage Coaching Facilitator, Fiachra Bradley .
There will be some training/trial sessions coming up in preparation for the teams next match which is against Down on 20th July. This represents a good chance for some more of our youth players to get involved with this squad.
Fixtures / Coaching / Training
Monday 1st July
Underage training (Primary 1 to Primary 7 age range) takes place Monday night’s 6:30 to 7:30pm at Craobh Rua Playing Field & Clubrooms.
Tuesday 2nd July
Armagh Senior League Away Game
Cuchulainns v Craobh
Venue Pearse Óg Park Armagh
Wednesday 3rd July
U18.5 League
Kilclief Ben Dearg v Craobh Rua
Underage Activities
Please note change of date due to Ulster Championship fixtures
Under 8 & Under 10 County Blitz
Craobh Rua will host an all County Under 8 & Under 10 Hurling Blitz on Sunday 4th Of August
Underage training (Primary 1 to Primary 7 age range) takes place Monday night’s 6:30 to 7:30pm at Craobh Rua Playing Field & Clubrooms.
Coaches will inform their players and parents of any changes etc.
Current Underage Coaches & Coordinators
U6.5 Orla McCaul, Majella Bradley & Caroline O Callaghan
U8.5 John Kelly & James McCartan U10.5 Joe McEldowney & Sean Cunningham
U12.5 Miceal Bradley, Eamon McCann, Paul Elshaw
U14.5Fiachra Bradley & David O’Brien
U16.5 Gareth Matthews, Paul Elshaw, Henry McCloy, Eamon McCann & Pearse McLaughlin
U18.5 Paul Cunningham
Anyone wishing to help in a coaching or support capacity with our Underage Activities is welcome to approach a team coordinator or Committee member to discuss. We welcome any support or help with all our club activities.
Craobh Rua Hurling Club encourage anyone who wishes to help with any aspect of our Club Activities to speak to an under age mentor or Committee member.We will be happy to give all appropriate support to any individual who wishes to become involved in our activities.
Dates For Diary
Cúl Camp – confirmed week of 22nd July
Under 8 & Under 10 County Blitz
Craobh Rua will host an all County Under 8 & Under 10 Hurling Blitz on Sunday 4th Of August
Hooley Around Cooley Cycle
The date for this annual Cycle has been confirmed as Sunday the 29th September.
Shop
Club shop is now open and has deals on hurls, helmets, grips and sliotars. This will be available every Monday.
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U14 Féile
The Patrick Rankins U14 boys team gave a brilliant account of themselves at the Féile at the weekend, eventually losing out to local team Annaduff in the semi-final by two points, 3 – 7 to 3 – 5.
The team, mentors and supporters left for the West early on Friday morning but not before they all had a hearty breakfast in The Shelbourne in Newry. On arrival in Sligo the lads played their first game on Friday afternoon and defeated Calry St Joseph’s on a score-line of 6 – 5 to 0 – 1, getting their campaign off to a brilliant start. Next up was a game against Adare from Limerick and this proved to be a much tougher encounter but the lads held out for the win by a single point, 3 – 4 to 1 – 9. After the conclusion of this game the players met up with their host families and spend the night with them before their next game on Saturday morning against their host club Easkey St Farnans. The young Rankins went into the game knowing that a win would see them top the group and into a quarter-final of the cup later on Saturday afternoon and they didn’t disappoint as they produced another great display to win thirteen points, 6 – 5 to 1 – 7.
Scarden, the Sligo GAA Centre of Excellence, was the venue for the cup quarter-final and a game against Leitrim side MacDiarmada Gaels who finished second in their group. This proved to be another closely fought encounter, with both sides refusing to give an inch to one another and after a nerve-wrecking final few minutes the Patrick Rankins prevailed by just two points, 3 – 1 to 0 – 8. A semi-final now beckoned for the lads and a game against another local team Annaduff but unfortunately this proved to be a game just too far for the lads as the went down to a narrow two-point defeat, 3 – 7 to 3 – 5. By all accounts the lads played some brilliant football but it just wasn’t to be on the day.
The club would also like to thank to all the families and supporters who made their way to West over the past few days to cheers the lads on. As with all these things it doesn’t come without a lot of hard work and fundraising, and we would like to thank all those who weighed in behind the fundraising activities and we are deeply appreciative of everyone who sponsored the team in any way and helped to make it a brilliant weekend for all concerned.
Finally, the club would like to congratulate all the players and mentors on the tremendous achievement of getting to an All-Ireland semi-final and just losing out by a couple of points.
Senior Men
Friday night saw our senior men record a very impressive seven-point home win over Middletown, 0 – 21 to 1 – 11.
The lads went into the game following two very low scoring games against Wolfe Tones and Clan na Gael but they certainly had their shooting boots on on Friday night, racking up a total of twenty-one points with only one coming from a free.
Captain for the night Kristian Magill got the ball rolling for the Shane’s with that pointed free before Mark McCabe and Paddy Gregory added further points in a great opening five minutes for the Shane’s. The sides then swapped points, with Ryan McCabe on target for the home side before the same player fired over again to keep his side three points to the good. However, all the Shane’s good early work was undone minutes later when Middletown, who looked dangerous going forward, hit the only goal of the contest to bring the sides level. Ryan McCabe, with his third point in a row, restored the Shane’s lead but it was quickly cancelled out with pointed Middletown free, before the Shane’s then hit two points courtesy Ryan Quinn and Mark McCabe to keep the scoreboard moving. Another pointed Middletown free left just one between the sides but scores from Paddy Gregory and Peter O’Brien increased the Camlough side’s advantage with just over five minutes left to the break. The sides registered another point apiece before the half-time with Micheál Brady popping over the Shane’s to give them a fully deserved three-point lead at the interval, 0 – 11 to 1 – 5.
The Shane’s made a great start to the second period and after ten minutes they had added a further three points to their total, with the very impressive Mark McCabe getting two and Kristian Magill the other. The Shane’s were well on top at this stage and they pushed home their dominance with further scores from Magill again and Raymie Fitzpatrick to lead by eight at this stage, however this could easily have been reduced to five only for a brilliant point blank save from Conor McKeown. From the resulting ’45 Middletown registered their first point of the second-half but this was quickly cancelled out by a superb effort from Mark McCabe. Another free saw Middletown trail by seven with just over ten minutes remaining but points from Peter O’Brien and Mark McCabe kept the Shane’s well ahead and on course to claim the win. Three points on the bounce from Middletown, all from frees, saw them reduce the deficit to six but with the game well into stoppage time the Shane’s hit the twenty-point mark courtesy of Mark McCabe, before big brother his Ryan tapped over from close range, with Middletown finishing the scoring with a very late point.
This was undoubtedly one the Shane’s best performances of the season to date and although all the scorers got a mention, the Shane’s defensive unit were outstanding over the course of the game, particularly in the second-half when they restricted their opponents to just one point from play, their remaining five scores coming from placed balls.
The next scheduled game for the senior men is next Friday night at home to Whitecross.
U16 Girls
Our U16 girls travelled to Portadown last Sunday evening to play Tir na nÓg and they put in a brilliant performance to record the win on a score-line of 6 – 9 to 4 – 12. They are back in action on Monday night at home to Dromintee.
U10s
Our U10 footballers had a brilliant run through a tough group in the Carrickcruppen tournament on Saturday with three very impressive wins to qualify for the cup section. They met Dromintee next and it proved to be a great game of football but it was Dromintee who ran out winners by a few scores. Special mention must be made to young Leo Courtney who performed heroically in goals all day and made a number of brilliant saves.
Cúl Camp
This year’s Kellogg’s Cúl Camp will take place at the club from Monday 15th July - Friday 19th July. Online registration for the camp is now open and anyone planning to attend should register online asap using the following link – www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 16, 18, 26 & 31. There were no jackpot winners and 1 x lucky dip winner. The lotto jackpot is slowly but surely creeping up and now stands at £3,900.
Condolences
The club would like to offer their sympathies to the family of Ann O’Connor who passed away recently. Ann was the grandmother of U14 boy’s footballer PJ O’Connor. May she rest in peace.
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